A cartridge for insertion into a digital printing device, preferably, a drop-on-demand ink jet printing device, includes a casing having a first portion for housing a supply of print media. A print media exit opening is arranged in the first portion of the casing. A print media transport mechanism is arranged at least partially within the first portion of the casing. The mechanism is disposed upon operation to pick up and drive a predetermined amount of the print media through the exit opening to be fed to a print head of the printing device. A leading edge of the print media, when the printing device is inoperative, rests on the transport mechanism.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A cartridge for insertion into a digital printing device, said cartridge including a casing having a first portion for housing therein a supply of cut sheet print media and a second portion for housing therein a supply of ink; a print media exit opening arranged in said first portion of the casing; and a pickup roller assembly arranged at least partially within said first portion of the casing and being disposed upon operation to pick up and drive a sheet of said print media through said exit opening.
2. A cartridge according to claim 1 wherein said pick up roller assembly includes; a drive shaft, pick up rollers rigidly connected with said drive shaft; and a drive gear, said shaft and roller being captively supported within said first portion of the casing.
3. A cartridge according to claim 2 wherein said drive gear extends at least partially external of the casing to engage a powered corresponding gear provided on the printing device with which the cartridge is to be used.
4. A cartridge according to claim 2 wherein the drive gear is able to engage a powered corresponding gear provided on the printing device by means of an aperture provided on said casing.
5. A cartridge according to claim 1 wherein said second portion of the casing is segregated into distinct chambers for storing a supply of different colored inks.
6. A cartridge according to claim 5 wherein each of said ink storage chambers has a corresponding ink outlet closed with a pierceable seal.
7. A cartridge device according to claim 6 wherein each ink outlet is in the form of a nozzle adapted to connect with a corresponding ink connection means provided on the printed device with which the cartridge is to be used.
8. A cartridge according to claim 1 wherein the ink storage portion is defined at least in part by a collapsible membrane.
9. A cartridge according to claim 1 wherein the casing includes a first print media storage molding, a second ink storage molding and an intermediate molding that serves to complete and enclose said print media and ink storage moldings, whilst simultaneously interconnecting the two.
10. A cartridge according to claim 1 which includes a shielding means arranged in said first portion of the casing adjacent the exit opening for assisting in the supply of print media to said printing device.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 9, 1999
September 30, 2003
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